Cultural Pittsfield This Week: September 14-20

This introductory breakdancing course will take participants through the fundamental building blocks of breakdancing. Led by instructor Andres Ramirez, the class will help participants develop coordination and overall confidence. Andres has taught throughout the county and is able to teach a range of levels and abilities.

The Marketplace Cafe presents its monthly Young Artists Open Mic night, hosted by Katherine Winston. The Marketplace hosts open mic nights each month, inviting any and all local talent to flaunt their performing skills in its intimate environment for many to listen to and enjoy. For performers 21 years old and younger.

Dark Horse is a Todd Solondz-directed satire on family relationships and the frequent missteps of adulthood, starring Mia Farrow, Christopher Walken, and Selma Blair.The story of a longtime dark horse struggling to come from behind, this is a poignant and provocative portrait of a besieged man-child and his fractured family. Solondz also directed the groundbreaking Welcome to the Dollhouse and Happiness. "Dark Horse is the most mature film of his career, and maybe the greatest." - LA Weekly

Flavours of Malaysia presents Just N Kace Friday night and WYKYDSaturday night. Berkshire-based Just N Kace has something for every one, oldies, country-rock, as well as good old fashioned rock and roll. WYKYD is a high energy female fronted party band playing hits from all genres. For adults 21 and over.

In honor of the 11th anniversary of September 11th, Berkshire Museum is starting a tradition of offering the Saturday after 9/11 as a free day for first responders every year. Berkshire Museum will offer free admission to first responders and up to three family members. The Berkshire Museum family honors those who work to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens by offering a place for first responders – EMS, police officers, and firefighters – to enjoy their time with loved ones. Please present a valid ID card at the front desk.

The day will feature nationally reknowned musician David Grover, Bowey the Clown, pony rides, bounce houses, face painting, spin and balloon art, raffle, and a digital photo booth. Ice cream is free with hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages available for one-dollar purchase. Shuttle service is available from Berkshire Life.

Take a stroll upstreet for an Artscape walking tour with Craig Langlois. People of all ages are invited to walk through historic downtown Pittsfield to enjoy and discuss some of the nearly 50 pieces of public art including sculptures, mixed media installations and murals. Don't miss this year's sculptures with a Melville theme!

Hancock Shaker Village invites you to learn about all the buzz surrounding bees and their role in maintaining a healthy ecosystem. The Shakers kept bees as pollinators and a source for delicious honey and useful beeswax. Join beekeeper Joe Moncecchi as he checks on the hives in the honey yard at the Village. See the inner workings of the bees in full summer operation and learn about the fascinating world of honeybees!

While many children's theater troupes tell stories to kids, the Story Pirates believe that every child has a story to tell! The process begins by collecting stories from local kids — whether it's a world where cats can fly or a rock opera about fuzzy alien tickle monsters, the Pirates will turn any short story into a hilarious sketch comedy musical! Monty Python meets Schoolhouse Rock!

Berkshire Ballroom Dancers/USA Dance host this night of dancing, featuring ballroom dancing and a free, light refreshments. Live music will be provided by Champagne Jam to kick off the dance party at 7:45pm. There will also be free, basic dance lessons prior to that at 7pm.

Zumba the afternoon away for a good cause. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. There will be a Chinese auction and zumbawear available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the Baystate Health Foundation—Rays of Hope.

Don't miss this great matinee, former members of local powerhouse rock act Armory will be sharing a bill. Servants will be making this performance their last stop on a tour that took them throughout the northeast. The Pioneer Valley's Tensor will be making their first appearance in the Berkshires and locals Kardia rounds out this fine afternoon of music.

Every month on the third Sunday, you're invited to join the monthly free jazz jam at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts in upstreet Pittsfield. Sit back and enjoy an afternoon full of great music or bring your instrument and join in.

Luz Rodriguez, a professional trainer from the Foundation Center in New York City, leads this FREE class that include how a proposal fits into the overall grant-seeking process; tips for making each section of a proposal stronger; what should be included in a standard proposal to a foundation; what funders expect to see in a proposal and its attachments; tips for communicating with funders during the grant process; and additional resources on proposal writing, including sample proposals. Specific attention will be give to issues of interest to the arts community; and there will be time for questions.

Tuesday: BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet!

Garrison Keiller calls them "the greatest Cajun band in the world" and they're coming to Pittsfield! Grammy Award­–winning Cajun bandBeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet presents a concert to benefit Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity. Plus legendary musician Charles Neville will make a special guest appearance, and Annie Guthrie opens the show. Great music for a great cause!

The Berkshire Athenaeum invites any school aged LEGO enthusiast to share ideas and creative energy during monthly meetings of the new LEGO Club. Enjoy an hour of socializing with other LEGO fanatics, listening to music, using your imagination and sharing your ideas with your peers. Please note that any child under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older.

The Pittsfield Cultural Councilhosts a grant writing info session to assist anyone interested in applying for funds for the 2013 grant cycle. This is an excellent opportunity to meet with members of the Council to ask either general or specific questions about potential applications. The workshop will be followed by a reception in honor of the Pittsfield Cultural Council's 2012 grant award recipients from 7 to 8 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Following a sold-out run of the world premiere of Dr. Ruth, All the Way, Barrington Stage Company is proud to present its fall return. Everyone knows the pioneering radio and television sex therapist Dr. Ruth but few know the incredible journey that preceded it. Starring Debra Jo Rupp, Dr. Ruth, All the Way is "exquisite…flawless…a fine piece of theater…casting Debra Jo Rupp is quite nearly a stroke of genius…a triumph…” ~ADVOCATE WEEKLY

Amanda McBroom returns to Barrington Stage following prior sold out engagements and will be joined by her husband George Ball. Together they will bring the music of Jaques Brel – one of the world's most passionate singer/songwriters – to Spice Dragon's second floor cabaret.

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